China

China

China is one of the world’s crucial venues for clean transportation policy. It is the largest market for new light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles by far. Seven of the world’s ten largest container ports are in China, and a significant portion of the world’s freight moves through them. That industrial dynamism has also brought the country well-publicized air-quality issues and vaulted it to first place in carbon emissions by country (though not per capita). China’s policy makers have responded creatively and vigorously. The latest national vehicle emissions regulations are both stringent and innovative. China is moving into a leadership role on international climate policy for transportation, and its national and local policies to promote development of electric vehicles are forward-thinking and aggressive.

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About the program

China is one of the world’s crucial venues for clean transportation policy. It is the largest market for new light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles by far. Seven of the world’s ten largest container ports are in China, and a significant portion of the world’s freight moves through them. That industrial dynamism has also brought the country well-publicized air-quality issues and vaulted it to first place in carbon emissions by country (though not per capita). China’s policy makers have responded creatively and vigorously. The latest national vehicle emissions regulations are both stringent and innovative. China is moving into a leadership role on international climate policy for transportation, and its national and local policies to promote development of electric vehicles are forward-thinking and aggressive.

The ICCT’s China program staff support effective regulation of both local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. We work to provide China's national and local government officials with sound, reliable technical-scientific data, and information on technologies, trends, and tested policy practice informed by our global engagement with governments and other stakeholders on these issues.

Recent publications

Collects and analyzes real-world emissions data from multiple sources in China. The data include emissions of NOx, CO, and total hydrocarbons. from 55 LDVs and 67 HDVs tested using PEMS. The vehicle sample covers a wide range of emissions standards, from China 0 to China 5/V, and vehicle types.

In September, China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection issued the first national standard for portable emission measurement system (PEMS) testing of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). This regulation is a supplement to all existing requirements under the China V standard, and it requires additional on-road PEMS testing for new and in-use China V HDVs.

Staff blog

To lead the way in effectively controlling emissions from non-road vehicles, it is crucial for China to advance the China IV standards, as more stringent requirements on emissions will always lead to more advanced emission control technology. Thus, China would be wise to adopt the combination of the Tier 4 final emission standards (including covering non-road equipment of all sizes) and DPF requirement directly as the new China IV emission standards to effectively control PM and NOx emissions.

Policy adjustments, created largely in response to the high-profile subsidy fraud scandal, mark major reforms for China’s EV market. As an old Chinese saying goes, “A loss may turn out to be a gain.” After being struck by this scandal, China’s EV market may find the right path toward a prosperous future.

Perhaps now more than ever we should look to cities for innovative transportation policies. As attractive new electric models hit markets everywhere, more cities can learn from each other about what measures work to fuel the nascent zero-emission vehicle market. The world needs it now more than ever.